Annuals & Biennials

Celosia
cockscomb

Height 4-24 in (10-60 cm)
Planting distance 9-12 in (23-30 cm)
Flowers midsummer to early fall
Rich, well-drained soil
Sheltered, sunny site
Tender annual

Celosia has large, bright, crested or plumed flowers in reds, oranges, and yellows. The cultivars with crested flower suggest the common name; the plumed ones look more like feathers. Both types are excellent for beds and containers.

Popular species and cultivars
All garden cultivars have been developed from Celosia argentea cristata or C.a.plumosa.
'Apricot Brandy' has deep orange plumed flowers on branching plants 20 in (50 cm) high.
'Dwarf Fairy Fountains' has plumed flowers in pastel shades. It grows up to 12-15 in (30-38 cm) high.
'Flamingo Feather' grows to 2 ft (60 cm) tall and bears bicolored rose and deep pink flower spikes. It is ideal for drying.
'Jewel Box Dwarf Hybrids' have crested blooms in red, pink, salmon, gold, and yellow. The plants grow 9 in (23 cm) high.
'Kimono Mixed' grows only 4 in (10 cm) high and is good for containers. The plumes are cream, golden yellow, orange, or scarlet.

Annuals
and
Biennials